College Basketball Preview: 7. UConn Huskies

Replacing Walker may be impossible but Napier believes he can do it.

7. UConn Huskies Key Returnees: G Jeremy Lamb, F/C Alex Oriakhi, G Shabazz Napier
G Shabazz Napier- Sophomore
G Jeremy Lamb- Sophomore
F Roscoe Smith- Sophomore
F Tyler Olander- Sophomore
C Alex Oriakhi- Junior
Sixth- DeAndre Daniels- Freshman
Top Recruit- DeAndre Daniels
So Kemba Walker is gone but the Huskies aren't dead. Jim Calhoun has an opportunity to win two straight thanks to the return of Jeremy Lamb and Alex Oriakhi, the two most talented returners. Lamb emerged as one of the top shooting guards in the country last season and will improve even more in his sophomore year. Oriakhi isn't as tall as some centers in the Big East but his big frame and psychically will help him dominate down low. Sophomore Shabazz Napier will hope to be the man that can at least try to replace Walker. He looked like he could be able at time last to do exactly that. Also getting time in the backcourt will be German Niels Giffey another sophomore. The frontcourt also has a lot of depth with guys like Tyler Olander and Roscoe Smith. Olander has the smarts and can make plays while Smith is fast and will do damage. DeAndre Daniels is a Top 10 recruit who can play power forward but can still step back and hit the shot on the perimeter.
Bottom Line: Two straight will be tougher without Walker but it won't be impossible.